The Rumour are best known as Graham Parker's backing band during his
heyday, but the band also took a stab at their own recording career. And even though they were
overshadowed by their association with Parker and never received much attention for their efforts,
they did manage to make three albums of really enjoyable music in the mold of a new wave-ish
pub-rock band.
The Rumour consisted of pub-rock veterans Bob Andrews (keyboards) and Brinsley Schwarz
(guitar/vocals) from the legendary Brinsley Schwarz, Martin Belmont (guitar/vocals) from Ducks
Deluxe, and Stephen Goulding (drums/vocals) and Andrew Bodnar from Bontemps Roulez. The
group formed in 1975 as Graham Parker's backing band, recording and touring with him off and on
through 1980. In 1977, they signed their own deal with Phonogram and released their debut album,
Max, the same year. They followed with Frogs Sprouts Clogs & Krauts for Stiff in 1979 and
Purity
of Essence in 1980, and also worked extensively as one of Stiff's house bands, backing up Elvis
Costello on "Watching the Detectives," as well as Carlene Carter, Rachel Sweet, Nick Lowe, and
Dave Edmunds. By the end of 1980, lack of real success on their own led to their breakup.
-- Chris Woodstra, All-Music Guide
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